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While handlooms are celebrated every day at WeaverStory, today we give you a few more reasons to invest in them.
On August 7, 1905, Mahatma Gandhi ignited the Swadeshi movement, a pivotal chapter in India’s quest for independence. Beyond inspiring a nation to embrace 'Made in India' products, it revitalised the languishing handloom industry. While National Handloom Day is a dedicated annual celebration, at WeaverStory, our reverence for handlooms knows no bounds.
The beauty of handlooms lies in their imperfections, and each handloom saree is a masterpiece crafted with meticulous skill, patience, and labour of love. With a commitment to infusing pride into these exquisite crafts, from the luxurious Kanjivaram sarees to the intricate nature of Ikat Patola, we’re bent on honouring the textiles that have woven the fabric of India for over five thousand years. In collaboration with the artisans, craft cultivators, and patrons, we strive to create a future that not only celebrates and honours India's timeless treasures but also ensures their preservation for future generations to cherish.
Though the intricacies of handlooms are not as visible as surface embellishments, they are picking up speed among celebrities, textile connoisseurs, and handloom enthusiasts. In a recent interview, Ratna Pathak mentions her love for Indian textiles and how handlooms can save the textile legacy of India. “I love textiles, and what we have achieved as a country in textiles is just extraordinary. That’s the only place where I’m willing to spend more money, because it's handmade and has an emotional connection,” she states.
For starters, if you’re struggling to find the perfect weave among a plethora of options, here’s a quick guide to 5 handloom sarees that are worth investing in this season.
A humble Chanderi from the village of Chanderi
Once worn by royalty, the story of Chanderi goes beyond the looms and intertwines with the enchanting tales of the Mahabharata. Often described as "light as woven air," the textile flaunts a buttery softness and graceful sheen, making it a summer staple in India.
Once a masterpiece crafted entirely from 200-count cotton, the Chanderi held a regal status akin to the Dhakai Jamdani. Adorning the heads of kings in the form of turbans and draping the bodies of royalty in sarees and dhotis, its charm remains unmatched till date. Today, while its composition has evolved to silk warp and 100-count cotton weft, the Chanderi saree is a must-have for every woman trying to build a versatile wardrobe full of thoughtful weaves.
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The playful charm of a Dhakai Jamdani
The Dhakai Jamdani saree from Bengal is a masterpiece of exquisite craftsmanship, celebrated for its intricate patterns and delicate textures. Each saree is the result of countless hours of meticulous labour, embodying the weaver’s unparalleled skill and dedication. The Jamdani saree whispers umpteen tales of tradition and craftsmanship. Woven from gossamer muslin, handspun cotton, and pure tussar silk, each piece unfolds like a poetic narrative, with motifs dancing across the fabric like verses from Tagore’s timeless diary.
Explore our collection Parineeta here:
The Kanjivaram Saree from the bylanes of Madras
The closets of our mothers, aunts, and grandmothers are likely to hold at least one Kanjivaram saree, a treasured heirloom that only gets better with age. Kanjivaram sarees are renowned for their opulent beauty. Their rich, almost viscous texture created with pure silk and real zari, makes them both awe-inspiring and beautiful. Each saree, meticulously handwoven in pure silk, comes drenched in vibrant hues. From signature checks and Vaira Oosi patterns to motifs like Killi, Mayil, and Chakram, they are the perfect addition to any festive or wedding wardrobe.
Explore our collection Madras here:
Gujarat’s Vibrant Ikat Patola Sarees
Gujarat, a state steeped in history and architectural grandeur, is equally renowned for its exquisite Ikat Patola. Born after the decline of the Solanki Empire in the 11th century, the Ikat Patola is a testament to human ingenuity and patience. Crafted through an intricate resist-dyeing process involving warp and weft, it's a masterpiece of mathematical precision and meticulous handwork. Believed to possess magical powers against evil and bad health, the Ikat Patola holds a sacred place in certain communities, making it an indispensable part of their ceremonies. From their vibrant patterns and striking anomalies of colour to their effortless and playful charm, these sarees promise to add a festive touch to your Indian wardrobe.
Explore our collection of Ikat Patola Sarees here:
A timeless Banarasi Saree
Varanasi is the home of one of India's most significant handloom traditions— the Banarasi weave, which dates back over 2,000 years and is also referenced in mythological texts. These sarees, adorned with real gold or silver, are the epitome of Indian beauty, tradition, and culture. Their opulent designs feature a rich vocabulary, including jaal (floral patterns), rangkat (striped blocks), kadhua/phekwa (individual motifs), shikargah (hunting scenes), Tanchoi, and Meenkari. And while brocades from the region remain a perennial favourite among brides, there are other fusion design variations, like Bandhej Banarasi and Kora Banarasi sarees, that can easily make it to your festive wardrobe if not your wedding trousseau.
Explore our collection of Banarasi sarees here:
-Team WeaverStory
